Cyclist's relief as stolen bike returned

POLICE have returned a stolen bike to its owner after it was taken from the grounds of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The bike, owned by Victoria Panagakis, 30, was recovered the same day as it was taken, Wednesday, August 22, and with help from hospital security, the police managed to track down its rightful owner.

Mrs Panagakis said: “I am really happy the police managed to get my bike back as it holds a lot of good memories for me.

“I have ridden this bike on trips to Budapest, Munich and France and now I have it back, it will be coming with me on an upcoming trip to see the lochs in Scotland.

“Thank you to everyone who was involved in tracking it down.”

A 25-year-old man has been reported for summons in relation to the theft.

PC Dan Reynolds of Chester Outer NPU said: “This was a great example of working together and showed the tenacity and determination of the officers involved.

“We would like to remind the public not every bike theft ends happily.

“Over the past six months, an estimated £50,000 worth of bikes have gone missing in the Chester area and this is partly down to cyclists locking up their bikes in insecure places or using cheap padlocks.”

Cheshire Police offer the following advice:

Lock your bike to something secure with a quality lock and chain, e.g., a bike rack or a lamp post.